A Strong
Northern Australia
Over the last two days I have
been in the Northern Territory talking to local leaders, business people and
residents about making the most of our country’s potential.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of
speaking with those on the front of line protecting our borders. As of
yesterday, it’s been 10 weeks since the last successful people smuggling
venture. So, we are making
progress. The people smugglers are
getting the message that their game is up and that the days of over 50,000
people arriving by boat are over.
As well, the Government’s White Paper on Northern Australia is now
underway.
This White Paper, is being
developed with the Queensland, Western Australia and Northern Territory
Governments and it will detail how Northern Australia can go forward over the
next two, five, 10 and 20 years.
It will show how Northern
Australia can become a food bowl for Asia and how we can build a $150 billion
energy export industry as well as grow our tourism, education and health
sectors.
A stronger Northern Australia
will benefit everyone with more jobs and more successful companies, leading to
more revenue to pay down debt and provide more funding for infrastructure and
services.
Right now there’s a lot of talk
about what governments should be doing to help businesses facing tough
competition.
The best way a government can
help any business is by getting the economic fundamentals right so that
businesses can grow and thrive -- for a company like Qantas that means
scrapping the carbon tax that cost it $106 million last year alone and letting
Qantas compete on a level playing field.
The Government is putting in
place the plans that will strengthen our economy and all our businesses. That
will mean a stronger and more prosperous Australia for everyone. |
